Ask Handi

First Class Career

Hi, I’m Handi Kurniawan

Bestselling author, speaker and founder of FirstClassCareer.com

I worked with some of the best companies in seven countries and five continents. That would mean you could get the best and practical career advice, network with incredibly talented people, and you’d learn faster than normal people.

I DO DIFFERENTLY TO HELP YOU SUCCESS

I give you practical advice and insights not theoretical approaches.

I only work with passionate, positive and high achievers

I give away 80% of my materials free. That materials are considered market best practices.

There are many “experts” out there, so I know I have to earn your trust.

Here’s a little bit about me.

From a small town boy in Indonesia to a truly global professional

I came from a humble family background. When I was a kid, someone told me “It’s pointless to go to a good school out-of-town or overseas.” At that time, I had no idea about what good school or bad school was. I just wanted to study and one day see the world. Deep inside I felt that education and great career is the way to make a difference in life.

By the grace of God, in 17 years starting from high school, I’ve traveled to 5 continents, worked in 7 countries (Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Beijing, Michigan, U.S.A.) and sharing what I learned through corporate works, books, articles, and speaking sessions.

I catch up on higher education, earned two master degrees respectively from the University of Michigan (perfect GPA); the University of Western Australia and I also got a scholarship for post graduate study in Japan America Institute of Management Science, Hawai’i where I obtained three most prestigious awards on leadership, innovation, and student’s choice award.

Receiving many awards are nice but making real, positive impact for as many students and professionals in Asia, especially in Indonesia are my passion and mission. Making friends and connecting with people around the world are my desire.

My works have been featured by a long list of media, including the Globe Asia, SWA business magazine, Esquire, Femina, MensHealth, MetroTV, The Jakarta Post and many more.

In business, I have the privilege to work with best people at all levels from Chairman of the company, CEOs, Entrepreneurs, Managers, Professors, Young Professionals to College Students. I understand their dreams, aspirations, goals, frustrations and their challenges!

These are invaluable life and professional lessons and now you can learn all these faster!

There is a saying ”Smart man learns from his own mistake but a wise man learns from someone else’s mistakes. The stupid one never learns.”

So you must learn from the best to accelerate your learning. Why do you have to do trial & error yourself if someone is ready to share with you?

Through this site FirstClassCareer.com I want to share more to the world and help highly motivated and potential people becoming more successful in their career and having a colorful life.

Career doesn’t have to be dull!

Indonesia Future Leader – SWA Business Magazine

Impactful Testimonials

Cong Liang, China. Master graduate from the University of Michigan and Teacher at San Francisco area.

"Handi is the 'shining star' of our cohort in School of Education, UMich. He is a sincere friend to students, staff members, and faculty. I am amazed by his ability of building such a vast and solid connection to everybody, and everyone wants to talk to him. His remarkable life experience all over the world, his strong belief in education can change the world, and his incredible inter personal skills, make him the best person to build such a course which can benefit people who wants to better manage their careers or gains personal development. Actually even before the course has been started, many people have benefit from him on these. I am one of them. One day during the graduation season, I sat at the table and lost in the feeling of frustration, since all job applications turns to be a failure. Handi passed by and talked to me. I still remembered he said he has a friend, who sent out 100 job applications, received 30 interview opportunities, and ended up to get 3 job offers. He smiled, be positive. I did not send out 100 applications, but I hang in for another 2 months, and guess what, two companies would like to hire me. I still remember our conversation at that morning, and thank you my friend."

Nursyawani, Conference Organizer - MALAYSIA

“I am very grateful to have Mr. Handi as my guest of speaker for talent management conference. His insightful presentation and his personal traits brought new insights of a young global leader. Both his style, his substance, review of the matter truly impressed me and the participants. No doubt that he brings an excitement and fun too during the conference. Thanking him so much for a great contribution toward my 1st conference. I am highly delighted to work with him again in future.”

Marissa Zhu, Master graduate from the University of Michigan and PhD candidate from Michigan State University, U.S.A

“School of Education Commencement ceremony! Handi, you're definitely the breakout star of our program! You inspire me to make the most out of every opportunity.”

Thanks you for the super lunch, Pak @handi.kurniawan. Sharing session and great lunch. Actualize the aspiration and dream needs passion, work hard and value he values itself. Thanks for the lesson, Pak! Always admire you ! As my father said, "only learn from the best!" And sure today i did. Gan en

A.A Adi Pratama W.P, Chairman of National Tourism Board Young Leaders for Indonesia